“In my New Year’s Day address, I reiterated that cross-strait peace must be further consolidated,” Ma said. “Advances in bilateral relations over the past seven years, including 21 agreements between Taipei and Beijing, reaffirm that the government is on the right track in this regard.
“We will continue maintaining the status quo of no unification, no independence and no use of force under the framework of the ROC Constitution and on the basis of the 1992 consensus.”
Ma made the remarks at a Taipei City memorial marking the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Yijiangshan Islands, a conflict between the ROC military and mainland Chinese communist forces in the Taiwan Strait.
“The battle played a pivotal role in changing the course of history,” Ma said. “It led to the Formosa Resolution enacted by U.S. Congress in 1955, enabling that country to assist the nation in defending itself against potential invasions.”
By learning the lessons of history, Ma said the government remains rock solid in upholding hard-won cross-strait peace. “ROC armed forces play an invaluable role in safeguarding Taiwan, and we vow to bolster the nation’s defensive capabilities while promoting prosperity and stability.”
In contrast to the turbulent days of 1955, the president said Taiwan’s relations with mainland China today are at their highest level since 1949. “We will continue addressing cross-strait affairs in line with the principle of putting Taiwan first for the benefit of the people.
“We still have disputes, but now we resolve them through peaceful means and wisdom,” Ma said. “Faced with the challenges ahead, we maintain full preparedness to defend our democracy, prevent armed conflict and promote peaceful cross-strait development.” (YHC-JSM)
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